Putin tries to set the tone with Biden before January meetings

U.S. and Russian presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir
Putin held a 55-minute phone call on Dec. 30. The call was business-like, both
sides reported in press readouts, though not without tension. Biden stated once
again that “unprecedented sanctions” would be laid against Russia if there were
further Russian incursions into Ukraine, and that any negotiations would be
made in full partnership with the U.S.’ allies. Putin told Biden that
initiating such sanctions would result in the total severing of relations
between the US. and Russia, tass.com reported on Dec. 31. Furthermore, the U.S.
could expect Russia to react the same way that it would if offensive weapons
were being placed near its borders.

However, the two did agree on pursuing diplomatic
solutions beginning in January in Geneva along three tracks featuring Russian
and the U.S., NATO, and the EU respectively.

James Hydzik: Not much
was expected as a result of the call after it was requested by Putin on Dec.
28. Barring any major revelations, it was seen as a way to feel out, and maybe
attack, the Americans’ resolve directly and to shape the negotiations. The tone
is unlikely to change between now and the onset of talks on Jan. 10, but unless
an accident occurs, the military situation is also unlikely to change in the
meantime.